How To Set Realistic Expectations For The New Year

As we inch closer to the end of the year, you might spend more time reflecting on everything you did over the last 365 days. You undoubtedly have good memories, along with things you wish hadn’t happened. You probably had goals you accomplished this year, and maybe some you didn’t. 

One thing that so many people tend to do around this time of year is to make resolutions to implement throughout the next year. There’s nothing wrong with making resolutions or setting goals for yourself. 

But, there’s also a reason so many of those resolutions fail within the first few weeks of a new year. 

One of the best ways to ensure you make the most of the upcoming year is to set realistic expectations. 

Expecting Too Much

The holiday season tends to fuel fantasies in more ways than one. We want everything to be “magical” and believe that wonderful things can happen. There’s nothing wrong with that, either. There certainly is something special about this time of year. 

But, when you’re in that nostalgic and fantastical frame of mind, it’s probably not the best time to be making goals for yourself. Chances are, they won’t be very realistic and you’ll end up getting frustrated. 

Lofty goals can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming. When you realize that you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, you’re likely to give up and lose motivation. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be willing to work hard to achieve the things you want. But, it’s important to take a step back and ask if you’re expecting too much from yourself. 

Set Reasonable Timelines

It’s easy to think you have to accomplish everything quickly when you’re excited and motivated about your goals. But, if your timelines aren’t realistic and you don’t have effective strategies in place, you’ll end up taking longer to accomplish things than you think you should. 

That can lead to frustration, disappointment, and a blow to your self-esteem. Take a step back and consider how long something might actually take. It can help to break down the steps needed to get there. When you break things into smaller chunks, not only are they easier to accomplish, but you’ll have a more accurate idea of how long everything will take. 

Set Boundaries

If you spent a lot of time this year feeling overwhelmed by everything you had to do, make one of your goals in the new year to say “no” more often. That starts by setting boundaries for yourself. 

Some people seem to think boundaries are a negative thing, but nothing could be further from the truth. Setting healthy boundaries allows you to enjoy your free time while focusing on the things that matter most to you. Boundaries can also benefit your mental health and reduce stress. If you really want to accomplish certain personal goals, you can’t be everyone else’s “yes” man — or woman. 

Treat Yourself

Setting goals at this time of year can be fun and motivating. But, when it comes time to actually work on those goals, it can sometimes feel like you’re trudging through mud. Don’t let your expectations get the best of you by working too hard. 

When you reach a goal — even a small one — treat yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back and do something that will make you happy. That might be something as simple as going to your favorite coffee shop for a pastry or taking a weekend vacation somewhere. By treating yourself when you reach small goals, you’ll be more motivated to keep going forward. 

Setting expectations for the new year is a good thing. It can help you to keep growing and become the best possible version of yourself. But, those expectations shouldn’t damage your well-being. Keep these tips in mind for setting realistic expectations next year and beyond. Contact us to set up an appointment for anxiety counseling today.